As the setting for the famous rift that produced rugby league, England boasts a historical significance that few rugby league-playing nations can match. The first official rugby league clubs were formed in 1895, and the national team played its first match in 1904 - although an unofficial national side had been playing since the 19th century. Throughout its history, England's rugby league team has embarked on many famous tours all over the world, and has also hosted foreign touring sides on home soil. England's principal rivals are Australia and New Zealand, as well as France and Wales.
England are consistently ranked amongst the sport's best test sides, and it is only against New Zealand and Australia that the "Wall of White" hasn't won the majority of its test matches. Despite this, England has never won the Rugby League World Cup, although they have finished runners-up on numerous occasions.
